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Opinion Letters Letters and Comments for August 24, 2009
Letters and Comments for August 24, 2009
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Harris, Ilona, Rosholt, Fischer, Jones
Drug, alcohol abuse impacts all of us To the Editor: The recent tragedy in Elgin and the admission that drugs (methamphetamine) played a prominent role in the event is a shocking reminder of the continuing presence of substance abuse in our county. As a nation, society and community, we often grow to accept that prescription drug abuse, illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol are prevalent, but as long as it does not directly affect us, we tend to look the other way and not get involved. However, as we look more closely at the effect of the use and abuse of these drugs, it does affect us all in many ways. We ask that you consider the safety and security of your family and ours when you observe a person entering a vehicle when they appear to be under the influence. As a community, people need to take more personal responsibility for drinking and driving and not just rely on service providers for a ride home. Perhaps it is time to ask ourselves if we need to serve alcohol at so many public functions where children are present? Report unusual activity in your neighborhood that you suspect may be generated by illegal drugs. When you have a friend of family members that needs help for their addiction, have the courage to confront them and then stand beside them to find the help they need. As parents, let’s make sure we are teaching our children the negative realities of drug and alcohol abuse. Please remember in your thoughts and prayers the victims of this tragedy, to include their families as well as the suspect and his family. Do not forget in these thoughts and prayers those persons and families currently dealing with addiction, as well as those who are traveling the path to addiction. Let’s help each other become a healthier, safer and more secure community. Jan Harris, Marina Ilona, co-chairs, City of La Grande Substance Abuse Advisory Commission
event, good cause To the Editor: Buffalo Peak Golf Course is honored to host the 15th Annual Grande Ronde Amateur Golf Tournament Aug. 29-30. This Union County event — the oldest individual stroke play tournament in the valley, open to both men and women — is a fundraiser for the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation. Golfers who like competition will not be disappointed when they have completed their 36 holes of golf at beautiful, scenic Buffalo Peak as players from all over the Pacific Northwest venture here to test their skills. Thanks to a dedicated staff, a great group of volunteers and a loyal field of golfers, this tournament has helped raise funds for many projects the foundation has undertaken for the betterment of the hospital and, thus, the community. Golf tournaments, as proven all around the United States, are great ways for members of a community to support local, worthwhile non-profit organizations that give so much back to the citizenry. No one wants to be sick or injured enough to warrant a stay in the hospital, but isn’t it a relief to know Grande Ronde Hospital is there when you need them? The hospital board, administrators, staff and the foundation are doing everything they can to meet our medical needs, but, obviously, they can’t do it all by themselves. So, golfers, I challenge you, open your wallets, forget your differences and enter the Grande Ronde Amateur at Buffalo Peak to help support this local not-for-profit, which is one of the largest employers in Union County and one that we all want to be around for a long, long time. Non-golfers are not only encouraged to come to Buffalo Peak to support the golfers, especially the Sole Survivor, which includes the Les Schwab Tire Skins Game on Sunday. at 2 p.m. But you are also invited to participate in the dinner and auction Saturday night at the Blue Mountain Conference Center. Class Act Catering will be serving the dinner. Contact Meredith Lair at 541-963-1431 or myself at 541-963-1001 with any questions. Bill Rosholt, Director of Golf Promotions & Economic Development for Union County
To the Editor: There has been much media coverage of angry citizens confronting elected officials at town hall meetings over health care and downplay of name-calling outright from elected officials. Wendell Phillips once addressed an abolitionist meeting in Boston where the audience was hostile to him. Phillips began speaking to the reporters in a low tone. Everyone quieted down trying to listen. Phillips said, “Go on, gentleman, go on. I don’t need your ears. Through these pens I speak to millions of people...’’ In America, the power of the pen is yours. “Let your pens do your talking for you!” With millions of letters, editorials such as this and “Never be intimidated by anyone!” Remember always, elected representatives work for you, and you as taxpayers pay their benefits. Source: “2,500 Anecdotes for All Ocassions.” Ron R. Fischer Elgin
To the Editor: One person I know denies the truth of life for reasons they only know. Maybe they’re worried? The other person has totally embraced the truth of life, which has to do with one’s spiritual growth, which I find most pleasing as taught to us by Mr. Michael J. Roads. Richard Jones La Grande
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